Man accused in ex-wife's death ruled incompetent

Years before he allegedly strangled his ex-wife to death, Richard Achauer reportedly heard voices and fired a pistol in his back yard at imaginary people he believed were threatening him.

A psychiatric evaluation was completed last month and on Tuesday a judge ruled that Mr. Achauer, 68, is not competent at this time to stand trial on murder charges.

"He is not capable in assisting his own defense," First District Judge Jack Vitale read from an examination report.

During the court hearing, Mr. Achauer listened by telephone from his bed in the Mercy Memorial Hospital rehabilitation center on Stewart Rd. where he is under a 24-hour police guard. It was determined that Mr. Achauer's physical and mental condition, which includes the effects of Parkinson's disease, prevented him from attending the hearing.

He responded to the judge's questions saying he understood the proceedings.

Mr. Achauer is accused of killing Nancy Lake on Dec. 21 when she checked in on him. She went to his home on Meadow Dr. and an argument developed. Monroe County sheriff's detectives reported that Mr. Achauer at the time used a wheelchair but was able to stand.

He has since been charged with murder. His attorney, David F. Grenn of Monroe, said after the hearing that his client needs medical care, not a courtroom.

"It's not possible for a trial, at least not at this point," Mr. Grenn said. "He is a very ill man. Parkinson's is incurable."

During the court hearing, the judge read a report from a psychiatric evaluation that was performed Jan. 20. The report stated that Mr. Achauer suffered from hallucinations and hears voices.

At one point, the report stated that Mr. Achauer has had to battle his own private demons and doesn't realize that Ms. Lake had died.

"He believes the decedent was still alive," Judge Vitale read from the report.

It was reported that the hallucinations began about four or five years ago. The psychiatrist who evaluated Mr. Achauer stated that it was his opinion that the defendant was incompetent to stand trial.

The judge signed the order and Mr. Achauer will now receive treatment at a state department mental health facility. A hearing to review his status was set for April 30.

Mr. Grenn said the family lost two of its members.

"It's a very sad case," Mr. Grenn said. "This has caused a lot of hurt. The family appreciates all the prayers for their late mom and their dad."

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